Shows that the ability to impose a distinct and exact meaning on what is seen underlies the skills involved in reading; notes the importance of training in perception combined with a clear sense of the purpose of reading. (GT)

The article discusses the role of the first-grade teacher in implementing special programs for gifted children and providing appropriate environments for the development of the students' full potential and suggests instructional practices which may be used with the gifted reader. (PHR)

Suggests a strategy for developing reading habits in the middle school which is based on Grover C. Mathewson's five motives for reading. (MKM)

Suggests that giving non-English speaking children positive experiences with literature may help them want to learn to read. Includes an annotated bibliography. (MKM)

A study is reported evaluating the effects on the development of bilingual reading skills of a second language--native language sequence of reading instruction as opposed to a native language--second language sequence in elementary grade French immersion programs. (RM)

Describes "Reading Clubs," a program designed and carried out by two first-grade teachers in which small groups of students (primarily second-language learners) thought to be at risk for failure were coached daily. Notes that 19 of the targeted 23 students were successful enough to move with their peers to second grade. (SR)

Examines contributions of computer-assisted reading software (CARS) to current teaching practice. Presented framework for evaluating the technical and pedagogic characteristics of CARS. Described case study using proposed framework to evaluate the use of talking books software in British schools. Cognitive and affective benefits are identified.…

This study compared reading rates of three students with reading disabilities and five nondisabled students, all fourth graders. Students were tested on their reading rates on self-selected passages (whole language approach) and on controlled, curriculum-based measurement materials. No significant differences were found between groups of students…

Describes how a writer discovers validity in an idea for a children's story, a story about the difficulties some children face in learning how to read. Recalls the author's own troubled elementary school experiences with reading. (TB)

This study examined effects of a summer reading instruction program as part of an 8-week summer day camp experience for 61 disadvantaged first grade children. Two hours of direct explicit reading instruction daily were supplemented with a literacy-rich camping experience. Post-tests indicated the experimental group not only obviated usual summer…

Notes that student learning declines or remains stagnant during the summer months and that the magnitude of change differs by socioeconomic status. Explains a summer reading program called Continued Connections which used a converted recreational vehicle as a mobile classroom. Concludes that this program helped students increase their reading…

Notes the challenge of teaching with multiple perspectives. Explains that studying a poem with two voices shows students how to consider multiple perspectives. Concludes that looking at different perspectives on a topic not only widens students' views, but also deepens their understanding. (PM)

Describes how many students expect reading to be about answering literal-level questions, taking true-false tests, and figuring out what a teacher wants to know. Explains the Six Traits of Reading from Northwest Regional Educational Labs: decoding; building context; comprehending; interpreting; synthesizing; and evaluating. Notes that these sorts…

Discusses an English for science and technology course at Simon Bolivar University in Venezuela in which students were allowed to choose reading activities and alternative forms of assessment were implemented. Results of a questionnaire used to evaluate the course are provided. (Author/VWL)